Leeds United took on Everton in the Premier League, in a game where Jack Grealish made his Everton debut. That said, it was a Leeds United player who deserved the plaudits.
Grealish moved to Everton from Manchester City on loan this summer, in a bid to rediscover form and game time away from the Etihad.
Moyes wants Grealish to be his creative outlet, but he didn’t have the chance to showcase his full abilities in the Premier League opener.
Leeds United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Everton were, in fact, pretty poor. Newly promoted Leeds played them off the park. In particular, one player was absolutely sensational for the Whites.
Ethan Ampadu ran things in Leeds vs Everton
Welshman Ethan Ampadu was one of Leeds’ best players in the Championship last season, and he showed the step up to the Premier League won’t be a problem for him.
He was fantastic from minute one, dictating play and giving the Everton midfield the runaround throughout.
Ampadu has played in England’s top flight before, but this has to be one of his best performances in the league. This was reflected in his stats on the night.
Category Stat
Touches 72
Touches in opposition box 1
Passes into final third 6
Dribbled past 0
Duels
Ground duels won 4/5 (80%)
Aerial duels won 2/3 (67%)
Ampadu did go off, which may have been an injury, but it didn’t look like too much of a serious one.
Jamie Carragher on Ethan Ampadu
Speaking on Sky Sports at half-time, Jamie Carragher claimed he “ran the game” against Everton. “He’s ran the game basically. He’s been the best player on the pitch,” said the former Liverpool defender.
A sensational display from a sensational player. If Leeds are to avoid the drop, Ampadu will be critical for this.
Leeds United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Leeds do look the real deal, and the win at Everton will give them a huge boost heading into the rest of the season.
Next up, Leeds face giants Arsenal on Saturday – can they pull off an upset?